My interest in the Dorset Button industry was developed during my time as Chairman of two museums – Shaftesbury Abbey Museum & Garden and Gold Hill Museum.
Social history has always been an interest of mine and Dorset Buttons stemmed from this interest. Having read the available history on these small simple buttons, and seen them in museum collections, I realised how important they were in shaping the livelihoods of ordinary people living in East Dorset. This interest grew into a passion and I not only learnt how to make Dorset Buttons, but also researched their history and the impact of national events on this cottage industry.
SunnyBunnyCrafts is an online textiles shop on Etsy but also runs some workshops based in Bournemouth. They provide a variety of different products with many different handmade designs on them at a fair and reasonable price. Some of the things that they sell include cushions, baskets, bags and decorations/ornaments. They also provide kits where you can have a go making these products yourself.
“I was taught to knit at only 5 years old and various other crafts at a young age, the passion grew over the years (apart from a few twilight years – late teens/early twenties when the pub was more interesting).
My main cardmaking passion came about through personal tragedy when my first son was stillborn. Without dwelling (nor casting it aside but this isn’t the place for that story) I became involved in a support group, I met a likeminded fellow mum and we made cards to sell for the charity. From that the passion grew, and luckily for me so did my family! Skip forward a few years (too busy mopping kids and floors!) and I found I had a few spare hours to make cards again for my family and friends. Sunny Bunny was formed. And then I dusted off my sewing machine thanks to a chance remark from a family member and so we have my products today, all stemming from each other and the love of gorgeous fabrics!
I have also recently branched out and made some of my makes available as kits or tutorials. You can find these under the Sew Easy category in my shop. I also run regular workshops in Bournemouth so please convo me if you would like details on those.” – Suzanne
Grazyna is not only a potter, but also a tutor, and she became interested in pottery whilst dabbling with many forms of art during a successful career as a qualified teacher of adults, early years and running the West Moors Pre-School. After attending pottery classes as a hobby for many years in Fordingbridge with Val Murphy, she decided to improve her skills in ceramics by concentrating on making pottery.
“I have been ‘playing with clay’ for about seven years during which time I’ve become really interested in pottery and ceramic sculpture. So back in 2008, I took the plunge and had a studio built in the garden by the amazing Terry Boyd whose purpose built design studio has been brilliant. Of course, garden studio sounds too posh so the family just refer to it endearingly as the “potting shed”.
You can “have a go” at a pottery experience day where you can try throwing and hand building, designing whatever you want. This day very fun and creative and aims to interest beginners and new comers in taking regular pottery sessions tailored to how and what you want to learn. Everything you need is included.
All Woodside pottery is handmade and unique and their is an online shop in which you can buy pottery items made by Grazyna or even better, come for the “have a go” day and try and make them yourself!
The studio is fairly small and provides an excellent space to learn pottery, but it is open on a bookings only basis. So please get in touch before you come to visit us.
The Great Dorset Arts and Crafts Fair returns to the stunning Grade II* listed Upton House, for your chance to meet talented local creatives and purchase a hand-crafted Christmas gift or two, or maybe even a treat for yourself! Set against the wonderful backdrop of Upton Country Park, in addition to the wide selection of goodies on offer, there will be the opportunity to enjoy some musical performances in the Grand Entrance Hall and take part in craft activities. Refreshments will also be available throughout the day.
Browse the beautifully created goods on offer, enjoy a mince pie and relax listening to musical performances in the grand Entrance Hall. All arts, crafts and gifts available to buy are hand-crafted by Dorset suppliers so don’t miss out on this great opportunity to get some unique Christmas gifts.
Tickets are £1.50 per adult and children under 16 when accompanied by an adult are free.
